Water Separation Device for a Fuel Cell, Comprising a Movable Valve Mechanism

Abstract

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a water separation device for a fuel cell. An example includes: a separator for separating water from an aqueous gas mixture discharged from the fuel cell; a container defining a collection volume to collect the water from the separator; and a freeze protector including a displaceable valve coupled to the collection volume. When the water in the collection volume freezes, the valve moves in the direction of a freeze position enlarging the collection volume. When frozen water in the collection volume melts, the valve moves back in the direction of a melt position reducing the collection volume.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A water separation device for a fuel cell, the device comprising:
 a separator for separating water from an aqueous gas mixture discharged from the fuel cell;   a container defining a collection volume to collect the water from the separator; and   a freeze protector including a displaceable valve coupled to the collection volume,   wherein, when the water in the collection volume freezes, the valve moves in the direction of a freeze position enlarging the collection volume, and   when frozen water in the collection volume melts, the valve moves back in the direction of a melt position reducing the collection volume.   
     
     
         2 . The water separation device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprises a drainage duct to drain liquid water separated in the water separation device using the valve mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The water separation device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the drainage duct is formed in a boundary wall of the container and is fluidically coupled to the valve mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The water separation device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the freeze protection mechanism includes a restoring mechanism to exert a restoring force directed toward the melt position, on the valve;   when the valve moves in the direction of the freeze position, the restoring force is amplified; and   when the valve moves in the direction of the melt position, the restoring force is reduced.   
     
     
         5 . The water separation device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the restoring mechanism includes at least one of: a mechanical spring, an elastomer, or a gas-pressure spring coupled to the valve allowing force to be transmitted. 
     
     
         6 . The water separation device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the container has an aperture in a boundary wall;   the valve is arranged displaceably in the aperture; and   the restoring mechanism is arranged on a side of the valve facing away from the collection volume.   
     
     
         7 . A fuel cell device comprising:
 a fuel cell with an anode mechanism and a cathode;   wherein the anode has an anode output to discharge an aqueous gas mixture from the anode, and the cathode has a cathode output to discharge an aqueous gas mixture from the cathode;   a separator for separating water from an aqueous gas mixture discharged from the anode output and/or the cathode output;   a container defining a collection volume to collect the water from the separator; and   a freeze protector including a displaceable valve coupled to the collection volume,   wherein, when the water in the collection volume freezes, the valve moves in the direction of a freeze position enlarging the collection volume, and   when frozen water in the collection volume melts, the valve moves back in the direction of a melt position reducing the collection volume.